Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gavin Newsom
Discover the career path of Gavin Newsom, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 40th governor of California since 2019. A Democrat, he previously held the office of the 49th lieutenant governor of California from 2011 to 2019. Prior to his statewide roles, Newsom was the 42nd mayor of San Francisco, serving from 2004 to 2011. His career reflects a trajectory of political leadership within California, progressing from local to state-level governance.
May 14, 1991: Created PlumpJack Associates L.P.
On May 14, 1991, Gavin Newsom and his investors created the company PlumpJack Associates L.P.
1992: Started PlumpJack Winery
In 1992, Gavin Newsom started the PlumpJack Winery with the financial assistance of Gordon Getty.
1993: Opened PlumpJack Café
In 1993, the PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street.
1994: Opened PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn
In 1994, Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café.
1995: Opened Winery and Balboa Café Bar and Grill
In 1995, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill.
1995: Volunteered for Willie Brown's campaign
In 1995, Gavin Newsom volunteered for Willie Brown's successful campaign for mayor and hosted a private fundraiser at his PlumpJack Café.
1996: Opened PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
In 1996, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
1996: Appointed to the Parking and Traffic Commission
In 1996, Gavin Newsom began his political career after being appointed to San Francisco's Parking and Traffic Commission by Mayor Willie Brown.
1997: Appointed to Board of Supervisors
In 1997, Gavin Newsom was appointed by Willie Brown to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors seat vacated by Kevin Shelley.
1998: Opened MatrixFillmore Bar
In 1998, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the MatrixFillmore Bar.
1998: Elected to full term on the board
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to a full four-year term to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1998: Elected to the Board of Supervisors
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1998: Endorsed by Rescue Muni
In his 1998 reelection campaign, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group.
November 1999: Voters approved ballot measure
In November 1999, voters approved a ballot measure sponsored by Gavin Newsom from Rescue Muni.
1999: Opened PlumpJack Wines shop
In 1999, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened the PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch.
2000: Opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing store
In 2000, Gavin Newsom and his investors opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing store and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley.
2000: Reelected to Board of Supervisors
In 2000, Gavin Newsom was reelected to represent the second district on the Board of Supervisors.
2001: Annual Income
From 1996 to 2001, Gavin Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000.
2002: Reelected to Board of Supervisors
In 2002, Gavin Newsom was reelected to represent the second district on the Board of Supervisors.
2002: Business Holdings Valued
In 2002, Gavin Newsom's business holdings were valued at more than $6.9 million.
November 4, 2003: Placed first in general election
On November 4, 2003, Gavin Newsom placed first in the general election with 41.9% of the vote.
2003: Leading Contender for Mayorship
In 2003, Care Not Cash raised Gavin Newsom's political profile and helped make him a leading contender for the San Francisco mayorship.
2003: Elected Mayor of San Francisco
In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected as the mayor of San Francisco.
January 8, 2004: Sworn in as Mayor of San Francisco
On January 8, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, calling for unity and promising to address issues such as public schools, potholes, and affordable housing.
2004: Became Mayor of San Francisco
In 2004, Gavin Newsom became the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco.
2004: Sold San Francisco business shares
In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses upon becoming mayor.
August 10, 2007: Filing deadline for San Francisco mayoral election
When the August 10, 2007, filing deadline passed, San Francisco's discussion shifted to talk about Gavin Newsom's second term. He was challenged in the election by 13 candidates, including George Davis, a nudist activist, and Michael Powers, owner of the Power Exchange sex club.
August 2007: Newsom raised $1.6 million for reelection campaign
In August 2007, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Gavin Newsom faced no "serious threat to his re-election bid", having raised $1.6 million for his reelection campaign by early August.
2007: Earned from business interests
In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests.
2007: Reelected Mayor of San Francisco
In 2007, Gavin Newsom was reelected as the mayor of San Francisco.
2008: Care Not Cash program evaluated
In 2008, a city audit evaluated the Care Not Cash program as largely successful for lowering average cash payments per person and the number of people receiving cash payments.
2010: Elected Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
2010: Democratic gubernatorial nominee wins over 60% of the vote
In 2010, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee won over 60% of the vote.
2011: Became Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2011, Gavin Newsom became the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California.
2011: Newsom Completes Service as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2011, Gavin Newsom completed his service as mayor of San Francisco.
2012: Hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show"
From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show".
2013: Authored "Citizenville"
In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville," which is about using digital tools for democratic change.
2014: Reelected Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2014, Gavin Newsom was reelected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.
2016: Newsom promotes Proposition 63
In 2016, as lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom was the official proponent of Proposition 63, a ballot measure requiring background checks and California Department of Justice authorization for ammunition purchases, among other gun control regulations.
2018: Elected Governor of California
In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected as the Governor of California.
2018: Newsom wins gubernatorial election
In 2018, Gavin Newsom won the gubernatorial election.
January 2019: Newsom announces lawsuit against Huntington Beach
In late January 2019, Gavin Newsom announced that he would sue Huntington Beach for preventing the construction of affordable housing. This was part of his broader effort to address California's housing shortage by holding communities accountable for taking action.
February 2019: Postponement of Central Valley segment of high-speed rail
In his February 2019 State of the State address, Gavin Newsom announced that while work would continue on the Central Valley segment from Bakersfield to Merced, the rest of the high-speed rail system would be indefinitely postponed due to cost overruns and delays.
June 2019: Newsom apologizes for genocide of Native Americans
In June 2019, Gavin Newsom apologized for the genocide of Native Americans approved and abetted by the California state government upon statehood in the 19th century, acknowledging the deaths of at least 4,500 Native Californians between 1849 and 1870.
June 2019: Medi-Cal eligibility expanded
In June 2019, the budget passed expanded eligibility for Medi-Cal from solely undocumented minor children to undocumented young adults from ages 19 to 25.
September 2019: Signing of the Wildlife Protection Act
In September 2019, Gavin Newsom signed the Wildlife Protection Act, which prohibited commercial and recreational fur trapping.
October 2019: Legislation signed banning fur products and bobcat hunting
In October 2019, Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of new fur products in California, banning bobcat hunting, ending the use of most animals in circuses, and strengthening Proposition 6's prohibition on horse meat and horse slaughter.
November 2019: Moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling
In November 2019, Gavin Newsom imposed a moratorium on approval of new hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling in California. This was until the permits for those projects could be reviewed by an independent panel of scientists.
2019: Newsom's veto rate begins
From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average.
2019: Became Governor of California
In 2019, Gavin Newsom assumed the role of the 40th Governor of California.
2019: Calls for nationwide background checks on ammunition
In 2019, in response to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Gavin Newsom called for nationwide background checks on people purchasing ammunition.
April 2020: Resumption of hydraulic fracturing permits
In April 2020, state agencies in California resumed issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits after a moratorium.
September 23, 2020: Newsom signs executive order to phase out gasoline vehicles
On September 23, 2020, Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to phase out sales of gasoline-powered vehicles, requiring all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035.
2020: Increased use of executive orders
In 2020, Gavin Newsom used a larger than normal number of executive orders during the legislative session.
2020: Newsom makes key appointments
In 2020, after Kamala Harris became Vice President, Gavin Newsom appointed Alex Padilla as U.S. Senator, Shirley Weber as Secretary of State, and later Rob Bonta as Attorney General.
April 2021: Commitment to end gas lease sales and oil extraction
In April 2021, Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 and ending oil extraction by 2045 in California.
June 10, 2021: Newsom criticizes Judge Benitez and proposes legislation
On June 10, 2021, Gavin Newsom criticized federal Judge Roger Benitez and proposed legislation empowering private citizens to enforce California's ban on assault weapons after the United States Supreme Court declined to strike down the Texas Heartbeat Act.
September 2021: Newsom signs police reform legislation
In September 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation raising the minimum age to become a police officer to 21, restricting tear gas use, banning employment of officers with misconduct records, and requiring officers to intervene against excessive force.
October 2021: Proposal for a buffer between fossil fuel sites and populated areas
In October 2021, Gavin Newsom proposed a 3,200-foot (980 m) buffer between new fossil fuel extraction sites and densely populated areas.
December 2021: Announcement of California as an abortion 'sanctuary'
In December 2021, Gavin Newsom announced his intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion, potentially paying for procedures, travel, and lodging for out-of-state abortion seekers.
2021: Newsom's veto rate continues
From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average. The rate declined over the course of the three legislative sessions.
2021: Connie Ballmer donates to Newsom campaign
In 2021, Connie Ballmer donated $1 million to the Newsom campaign, which led to criticism and ethics concerns in 2024, when Newsom signed AB 3206 into law, carving out an exception to the state's last call alcohol law for Intuit Dome, a venue owned by her husband.
2021: Newsom faced a recall election
In 2021, Gavin Newsom faced a recall election, a significant challenge to his governorship.
2021: Newsom signs bills to ease zoning restrictions
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law that made zoning regulations for housing less restrictive, allowing construction of duplexes and fourplexes in areas previously zoned for single-family homes. He also signed a bill to expedite environmental reviews for multifamily developments worth at least $15,000,000.
2021: Medi-Cal eligibility expands to undocumented residents over 50
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over age 50.
March 2022: Bill signed requiring full abortion coverage by private health insurance
In March 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring private health insurance plans in California to fully cover abortion procedures, eliminating co-pays and deductibles.
June 30, 2022: State budget pledges universal healthcare access
On June 30, 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a $307.9 billion state budget that "pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program by 2024 regardless of their immigration status."
July 6, 2022: Office of Health Care Affordability established
On July 6, 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 184, which established the Office of Health Care Affordability, aiming to contain health care costs in California.
September 2022: Windfall profits tax and penalty proposed for oil companies
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom proposed a windfall profits tax and penalty for oil companies in response to high gas prices in California.
September 2022: California becomes first sanctuary state for transgender youth
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 107 into law, making California the first sanctuary state for transgender youth, offering protections and support to transgender individuals.
September 2022: Legislation signed banning animal testing of pesticides
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed legislation that banned animal testing of pesticides and other chemical substances on dogs and cats.
September 2022: Newsom says he won't run for President in 2024
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom stated that he would not run for president in 2024, citing his "vulnerable" 2021 recall election.
2022: Newsom declares NIMBYism is destroying the state
In 2022, Gavin Newsom declared that NIMBYism (not-in-my-back-yard) is destroying the state, underscoring his opposition to local resistance to housing development.
2022: Newsom signs bills to address housing crisis
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed 39 bills into law aimed at addressing California's housing crisis, including measures that eliminated parking requirements near mass transit and allowed for housing development on commercially zoned lots.
2022: Newsom elected to second term
In 2022, Gavin Newsom was elected to a second term as governor, defeating Republican state senator Brian Dahle with 59.2% of the vote. This margin was smaller than his 2018 victory.
February 2023: Organization of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance
In February 2023, Gavin Newsom organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance of state governors supportive of abortion and reproductive rights.
March 2023: Newsom announces cutting ties with Walgreens
In March 2023, after Walgreens announced it would refuse to dispense abortion pills in 21 states where it is illegal, Newsom tweeted that California would cut ties with Walgreens, accusing them of cowering to extremists. He indicated he wanted to cancel Walgreens' $54 million contract with the California state prison system.
March 28, 2023: Law signed to penalize oil company profits
On March 28, 2023, Gavin Newsom signed a law authorizing the California Energy Commission to set a profit threshold for oil companies, requiring them to report additional profit data, and creating an oversight division to investigate price gouging.
April 25, 2023: Newsom endorses Biden's reelection campaign
On April 25, 2023, Gavin Newsom endorsed President Biden's reelection campaign, signaling his support for the incumbent and dampening speculation about his own presidential ambitions for 2024.
June 8, 2023: Newsom proposes 28th amendment to U.S. Constitution
On June 8, 2023, Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to raise the age to buy firearms to 21, institute universal background checks, mandate waiting periods, and ban assault weapons for civilians.
June 2023: Newsom issues Pride Month Proclamation and actions
In June 2023, Gavin Newsom issued an official state proclamation for Pride Month, fined a school district $1.5 million for rejecting a curriculum including a biography of gay rights leader Harvey Milk, and signed a bill prohibiting schools from banning textbooks based on inclusion of references to people from minority groups or the LGBT community, reaffirming his support for LGBT rights.
September 2023: Newsom appoints Laphonza Butler to Senate seat
In September 2023, Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate seat after Dianne Feinstein's death, fulfilling his promise to appoint a Black woman to the position.
October 2023: Newsom visits China
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom embarked on a week-long visit to China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Shanghai, where he discussed climate change, trade relations, and fentanyl production with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
October 2023: Newsom vetoes bill to ban caste discrimination
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to ban discrimination based on caste, calling it "unnecessary" due to existing protections against discrimination. The veto was applauded by Hindu rights organizations and criticized by advocates for Dalit rights.
October 2023: Veto of bill to cap insulin co-pays
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to cap co-pays for insulin at $35 in California.
October 2023: Newsom vetoes bills on unemployment insurance and layoff protections
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to provide unemployment insurance to striking workers, citing the burden on the state's system. He also vetoed a bill to expand layoff protections, arguing it would negatively impact businesses.
October 2023: Newsom vetoes bills to expand housing assistance
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed several bills aimed at expanding access to housing assistance, including one to repurpose state-owned land for affordable housing, citing concerns over state sovereignty.
October 20, 2023: Newsom visits Israel during Gaza war
On October 20, 2023, Gavin Newsom visited Israel to express solidarity with the country during the Gaza war. He met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli president Isaac Herzog, other top Israeli officials, and survivors of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
November 2023: Newsom debates DeSantis on Fox News
In November 2023, Gavin Newsom and Florida governor Ron DeSantis debated on Fox News, with Sean Hannity as the moderator. This high-profile event highlighted the political contrasts between the two governors.
2023: California's fur sales ban becomes effective
In 2023, California's fur sales ban became effective, making California the first state to ban new fur sales.
2023: Newsom launches Campaign for Democracy PAC
In 2023, Gavin Newsom launched Campaign for Democracy, a PAC to take on "authoritarian leaders" in the U.S. It is seen as a starting point for a possible 2028 presidential bid.
February 2024: Newsom pushed for Panera Bread exemption in minimum wage bill
In February 2024, Bloomberg News reported that Newsom pushed for an exemption for businesses that bake and sell bread in AB 1228, a bill that raises the state's minimum wage for fast food workers. The exemption included 24 Panera Bread bakery-cafes owned by Greg Flynn, a businessman who donated to Newsom's campaigns.
July 2024: Campaign for Democracy raises $24 million
As of July 2024, Gavin Newsom's Campaign for Democracy has raised $24 million for direct contributions to candidates and other spending. The group can coordinate with Newsom as long as he is not a candidate for federal office.
July 2024: Newsom launches Politickin' podcast and endorses Harris for president
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom launched a podcast, Politickin', and after Biden's sudden withdrawal from the presidential race, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, solidifying his support within the Democratic party.
July 2024: Newsom signs SAFETY Act
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom signed the "SAFETY Act", which prohibits schools from outing students' gender identity to their parents without the students' consent, further protecting the rights of LGBT students.
August 2024: Newsom warns counties on homeless encampments
In August 2024, Gavin Newsom warned counties that failure to remove homeless encampments would result in their state funding being cut off the next year. This warning followed his personal visit to and clearing of a Los Angeles homeless encampment.
September 2024: Legislation signed prohibiting commercial octopus farming
In September 2024, Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting the commercial farming of octopuses in California, citing their intelligence and sentience.
September 2024: AB 3206 signed into law for Intuit Dome alcohol exception
In September 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported that Newsom had signed AB 3206 into law, carving out an exception to the state's last call alcohol law for one specific venue, Intuit Dome. This was owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, whose wife donated $1 million to Newsom's campaign in 2021, which led to criticism and ethics concerns.
October 2024: Newsom signs California Racial Mascots Act
In October 2024, Gavin Newsom signed AB 3074, the "California Racial Mascots Act", which prohibits K-12 schools not run by recognized Native American tribes from using "derogatory" names or mascots.
December 2024: Newsom criticizes Biden for pardoning his son
In December 2024, Gavin Newsom criticized President Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, stating that he was "disappointed and can't support the decision," showcasing his willingness to disagree with his own party's leadership.
2024: Newsom calls for California lawmakers to safeguard policies
After Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Gavin Newsom called for California lawmakers to convene later in 2024 to safeguard California's policies from the upcoming Trump administration, signaling a proactive approach to protecting state interests.
2024: Newsom pledges to appoint a Black woman to replace Dianne Feinstein
In 2024, Gavin Newsom pledged to appoint a Black woman to replace Dianne Feinstein if she were to retire or die before her term ended.
2024: Medicaid program to provide care to low-income adults
In 2024, Gavin Newsom signed a $307.9 billion state budget that will allow all low-income adults to be eligible for the state's Medicaid program regardless of their immigration status.
2024: Rumors of Newsom as potential presidential candidate.
Many journalists and political analysts have mentioned Gavin Newsom as a potential presidential hopeful for the 2024 election.
July 2025: DOJ names California, Newsom, and public officials in lawsuit
In July 2025, the Department of Justice named the state of California, Gavin Newsom, and other California public officials in a lawsuit targeting the state's regulations against intensive battery cage eggs, including Proposition 2 and Proposition 12.
2025: Hosted "This is Gavin Newsom" Podcast
Since 2025, Gavin Newsom has hosted the podcast "This is Gavin Newsom".
2028: Potential presidential bid in 2028
Gavin Newsom's launch of Campaign for Democracy in 2023 is thought to be a starting point for a possible 2028 presidential bid.
2028: Newsom adjusts approach for potential 2028 presidential campaign
In anticipation of a potential 2028 presidential campaign, Gavin Newsom has adjusted his political approach to appeal to a broader electorate, including engaging with conservative voices like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon.
2035: All new passenger vehicles sold in California must be zero-emission
In 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold in California must be zero-emission.
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